Personnel and Finance Committee Annual Report

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2016 Annual Report of the Personnel and Finance Committee December 29, 2016 Page 2 Summary of 2016 Committee Topics • Overview from the Department of Administration and Finance • Discussion of accounting change to priority based budgeting for 2017 Budget • Priority Budgeting —budget costs by program rather than just accounts and budgets • New Popular Annual Financial Report — more citizen friendly, readability 0 Administration and Finance Department commended for providing information, first year Council has heard no comments from the community about lack of information or opportunity for input • Discussion on various budget transfers and funds maintained by the Department of Administration and Finance • Discussion on Pokagon Band's proposal for a tribal village and a Class 2 gaming facility in the 6th District • Conducting a series of committee meetings on the 2017 Operating Budget: • 2017 City -Wide Budget Overview on August 15, 2016 — discuss goals /objectives, impact of circuit breakers (property taxes), road maintenance, increase in personnel costs (health care costs), diversity and inclusion effort, City infrastructure initiatives, and public safety • Budget Sessions - Detailed Presentations from all City Departments on their 2017 Budget o Administration and Finance, Innovation and Technology, Mayor's Office, Legal Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Community Investment, Department of Parks and Recreation, Morris Performing Arts, Century Center, TRANSPO, Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Code Enforcement, Building Department, Fire Pension, Office of the City Clerk, and the Common Council • Preparing and discussing a series of questions /concerns raised on the proposed budget • Discussion on increase of parking fines and amnesty program for publicly owned facilities • Discussion on Parks Department re- organization — consolidation of Parks, City Venues and Parking Garages, and establishing a new city department of Innovation and Technology • Discussion on increase on City Employee Salaries — Common Council, City Clerk, etc. The Personnel and Finance Committee has basically operated as the "fiscal watchdog" in making sure that all available fiscal and financial information is shared with the Common Council and the public. It has been a pleasure to work closely with the staff of the Department of Administration and Finance. Their diligence and hard work is greatly appreciated especially during the extensive budget process. The Personnel and Finance Committee has strived to increase the dissemination of information and transparency of all city government operations to the public. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Respectfully Submitted, Council Member Karen L. White, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee